England Beat Sri Lanka but Miss Out on Tri-Series Final

Lahore, Pakistan — A dominant 167 from opening batsman Ben Duckett accompanied by career-best bowling figures of 4 for 49 from left-arm spinner Liam Dawson propelled England to a 55-run win over Sri Lanka at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, concluding their 2026 ODI Tri-Series campaign with an emphatic victory.

One Day International (ODI) cricket features 50-over innings governed by the International Cricket Council (ICC). While Thursday’s high-scoring clash—which saw 717 total runs across 95.1 overs—served as a dead-rubber with England already eliminated from final qualification and Sri Lanka having locked their spot in Saturday’s final against hosts Pakistan, Harry Brook’s side displayed great resilience to avoid leaving the tournament without a win.

• Match: England vs Sri Lanka (ODI Tri-Series Match 6)
• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan
• England Score: 386/5 in 50 overs (Ben Duckett 167, Tom Banton 74)
• Sri Lanka Score: 331 all out in 45.1 overs (Milan Rathnayake 118, Kusal Mendis 89; Liam Dawson 4/49)
• Result: England won by 55 runs

Ben Duckett (167) and Tom Banton (74) Power England to Mammoth 386/5

Opting to bat first on a batting-friendly Lahore pitch, England’s opening pair set an imposing pace from the outset. Ben Duckett recorded his second consecutive ODI hundred, clearing boundaries across Gaddafi Stadium on his way to 167 while putting on a 163-run opening stand with Tom Banton (74).

Captain Harry Brook (44), Jordan Cox (43), and Will Jacks (30) provided late acceleration through the closing 15 overs to lift England to a commanding 386 for 5.

Liam Dawson’s 4/49 Curbs Milan Rathnayake’s Fighting Century

In response, Sri Lanka produced an aggressive chase despite resting key players ahead of Saturday’s final. Following Kusal Mendis’ brisk 89 at the top, lower-order all-rounder Milan Rathnayake blasted 118 to keep the target within reach.

However, veteran spinner Liam Dawson sealed the victory for England, taking 4 for 49—including the dismissals of Avishka Fernando (48), Dasun Shanaka (4), Rathnayake (118), and Asitha Fernando (1)—to bowl Sri Lanka out for 331 in the 46th over.

Tri-Series Final Locked for Saturday, 31 October

With England concluding their tournament with one victory from four matches, Sri Lanka will now face hosts Pakistan in the ODI Tri-Series Final at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, October 31.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was Ben Duckett’s score in the Lahore match?

Ben Duckett scored 167 runs off 141 deliveries, marking his second straight ODI century.

Who bowled best for England against Sri Lanka?

Liam Dawson was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for 49 runs in his 10-over spell.

Why was this match considered a dead-rubber?

Sri Lanka and Pakistan had already secured their positions in Saturday’s final, while England could not qualify after losing their first three games.

When and where is the Tri-Series Final?

The final between Pakistan and Sri Lanka takes place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.